Delta imposing basic economy checked bag fees on transatlantic routes

Delta Air Lines is now charging fees for checked bags on transatlantic routes for its lowest-priced fares.

For flights departing on or after April 10, 2018 basic economy ticket holders will now pay $50 for a checked bag and a hefty $100 for a second bag.

Travelers booked in Main Cabin or Comfort+ seats will still get the first bag checked in for free.

The introduction of the bag fee comes as Delta now offers basic ecomony fares on more than half of all transatlantic services.

The basic economy fare comes with few perks.

There is no advance seat assignment available or the opportunity to make flight changes even fo a fee.

Still, the airline touts it as a product for 'price-conscious customers looking for great seat value who don't mind where they sit.'

In fact, Delta president Glen Hauenstein says the basic economy fare is mostly a platform to upsell to higher priced tickets.

"The success of [basic economy] isn't how many people buy it, in our mind, but how many people don't buy it and choose another product, and that's really where we're focused," he said during a recent earnings call.